Welding and Metal Fabrication

Learn how to design, plan and fabricate your own project in metal. With no prior knowledge necessary we will take you through the steps from initial concept, to purchasing materials, safe use of machinery, mastering welding techniques, all the way to a finished product of your very own design.

Over six 3 hour sessions, this skills-focused class will introduce you to the process of MIG welding and an array of other useful metalwork machinery. Together we will develop your skills to the point where you can confidently tackle your own projects.

Each week will mix theory, demonstrations and plenty of hands on welding time, with each student on their own welder. You will spend hours practicing running beads, fillet joints and butt joints. With a maximum of 4 people, this small class size means lots of practical work and one on one time with the teacher.

WE WILL COVER:

The different welding machines available on the market and the pros and cons associated with each machine

Safety considerations UV rays, burns, electrocution

Thorough introduction to the MIG welder, including the purpose and function of all those dials.

Explanation of the relationship between material thickness, wire choice and amperage selection.

Introduction to and demonstration of butt joints, fillet joints and lap joints.

Training on the safe use of the band saw and linisher.

Techniques for accurate and quality fabrication.

Tips, tricks and techniques for designing projects and the necessary welding considerations.

DON’T FORGET:

You will need to wear covered shoes and all clothes must be natural fibre (eg. cotton) with long-sleeve shirt essential (long pants ideal).

Material will be provided for in-class exercises, but in the first class, students will need to purchase additional material for your individual projects (with guidance and instruction from your teacher). Depending on the scale and design of your piece, we anticipate this costing between $50 and $150.

Oliver Fity studied Jewellery and object design at Enmore design Centre where he learnt a vast array of workshop skills and took part in many exhibitions over the years, including being exhibited at the Adelaide Jam Factory.

Following this he worked as a foreman and leading hand building custom machinery for many theatres around Australia and the world including the Sydney Opera House, Victorian Arts centre in Melbourne as well as building a three storey autonomous machine as part of the world expo in Shanghai.

These days he enjoys sharing his knowledge at Makerspace where he works as the Metal Technician, and getting his hands dirty on any number of side projects typically involving Bicycles and anything metal.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Refunds: MakerSpace requires a minimum of 5 days (or 120 hour) notice in writing to receive a 75% refund for change of mind. If you miss this window, we recommend you gift (or sell) your place to someone who will use it and love it. Class places are fully transferable. Email learn@makerspace.org.au

Cancellations: We rarely cancel classes, but occasional things come up beyond our control. Our classes are very small to ensure you have a great learning experience, but we need a minimum of 4 students to run most of our classes. If a class is cancelled, we will get in touch by phone or email, and discuss your options which include refund, credit or transfer to another date.